LoP Bajwa slams Punjab govt for renaming historic Katra Ahluwalia Chowk in Amritsar 

Partap Singh Bajwa, Leader of the Opposition, has strongly condemned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the AAP government for attempting to undermine Sikh heritage by renaming the historic Katra Ahluwalia Chowk to “Jalebi Wala Chowk” in Amritsar. Bajwa urged the AAP government to issue an apology and promptly restore the chowk’s original name, preserving the honour of Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, a revered Sikh leader from the 18th century.

Bajwa emphasised that Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was a prominent figure in Sikh history, serving as the Supreme Commander of the Dal Khalsa, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, and head of Budha Dal. He united the Sikh Panth under the inspiration of Guru Gobind Singh Singh Ji Maharaj and laid the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the Golden Temple after its destruction in 1762 by Ahmad Shah Durrani. Ahluwalia’s legacy includes banning cow slaughter in Lahore and establishing a respected and admired Sikh administration.

Bajwa criticised the government’s decision, stating it demonstrates a profound ignorance of Punjab’s history and insensitivity towards Sikh sentiments. He also questioned the reliance on non-Punjabi advisors, citing their lack of understanding of Punjab’s culture and heritage.